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A Berta Bride for a Purim Masquerade Ball Jewish Wedding at The Colosseum, Tel Aviv, Israel

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How cool is Kaya and Dean’s Purim masquerade ball Jewish wedding?! This Israeli couple knew they wanted to do something different for their big day – something more like a party than a formal wedding – and we are in love with the concept they came up with!

Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor LBI Productions, helped them pull together the day of their dreams, filled with lots of red velvet, bold patterns, massive chandeliers, masks (for the bride and groom and all of the guests), capes, and feathers. Don’t miss the exquisite images by PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY. We’re also obsessed with Kaya’s uber-glam gown by beloved Israeli designer Berta.

Tragically, Kaya and Dean’s wedding day encompassed the beauty and sorrow that are flipsides of life in Israel: on the way to the wedding, three of Dean’s friends were injured in a terrorist attack just a few streets away from the venue, and one of them passed away two weeks later. The couple’s loved ones opted to hide the news from them until the morning after the wedding so they could fully enjoy their big day, and the horrific news made all the love and joy of the wedding all the more poignant.

Kaya beautifully recounts the rollercoaster of emotion she and Dean experienced as the happiest day of their lives came up against the horrific reality Israelis live with – do read on for her moving words…

Kaya-and-Dean-The-Colosseum-Tel-Aviv-Israel Kaya-and-Dean-The-Colosseum-Tel-Aviv-IsraelKaya-and-Dean-The-Colosseum-Tel-Aviv-Israel Kaya-and-Dean-The-Colosseum-Tel-Aviv-IsraelHow We Met

Kaya, the bride: We met through mutual friends. For a long time, there were various people who tried to introduce us, but we weren’t available at the time. Eventually, my best friend’s husband made the connection between us. My husband works in real estate entrepreneurship, and I work in marketing, creative, and production. Continue ReadingContinue Reading

A Martina Liana Bride for a Stress-Free and Fun Jewish Wedding on the Beach at Aziza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

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When Ashley, a naturopath, and Kyle, who works in finance, set out to plan their Jewish destination wedding in Turks and Caicos, they had one goal: to make sure the wedding was stress-free and fun, for them and for all their guests.

Take a scroll through the joyous photos by Ileana Ravasio and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree the day was a smashing success for all involved! Featuring a ceremony on the beach followed by a reception at Aziza, a beautiful driftwood chuppah, and a wonderful, colorful ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor ketubah.com, it looks like everyone was having a blast from start to finish.

And then there’s the couple’s unforgettable wedding singer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Choni G. In Ashley’s words,

His singing was so moving and spiritual–we felt like we could stay under the chuppah forever. I don’t think there was one dry eye around us.

Read on for all the details in the bride’s own words…

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How We Met

Ashley, the bride: We grew up 5 minutes away from each other in Montreal but we actually met in Sorrento, Italy. Kyle was travelling with some friends that I grew up with. I heard they were in Italy at the same time as me and messaged them to meet up. We met there and then again 3 weeks later when we both happened to be in Israel. We went back to Montreal and the rest was history!Continue ReadingContinue Reading

5 of Our Favorite Second-Time-Around Jewish Weddings

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Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy

Aviva and Alan‘s a Tuscan Jewish Wedding | Photo by  David Bastianoni

Welcome back to “5 of Our Favorites,” where we curate five stunning Jewish weddings centered around a certain theme. This week, we’re shining a light on love that blooms anew with 5 of our favorite second-time-around Jewish weddings.

In this post, we’re celebrating couples who are finding love again and embracing their second chance at happiness. These weddings are filled with meaningful traditions, heartfelt moments, and a unique sense of joy that only a second-time-around celebration can bring.

Whether it’s a more intimate affair or a grand celebration of a new chapter, these weddings showcase the beauty of love at every stage of life. We’re thrilled to share these inspiring stories and provide some heartfelt ideas for couples embarking on their second wedding journey.

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Andrea and Adam‘s Jewish Wedding at Carnegie Hall, NYC | Photo by Todd France and Phillip Van Nostrand 

Andrea and Adam’s Jewish Wedding at Carnegie Hall, NYC, New York, USA

We love seeing the choices top wedding pros make when it comes to their own big days – so naturally we were thrilled to see the fabulous NYC Jewish wedding of Andrea, founder of NYLUX Events, and Adam.

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Andrea and Adam‘s Jewish Wedding at Carnegie Hall, NYC | Photo by Todd France and Phillip Van Nostrand 

Thanks to her work in the industry, Andrea knows all of the city’s under-the-radar venues, and she and Adam chose to wed at one of the very best: Carnegie Hall. Although it’s one of New York’s most iconic music venues, it’s a hidden gem of an events space, with outdoor space, epic views, and a prime location near Central Park – and Andrea and Adam loved sharing it with their friends and family.

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Andrea and Adam‘s Jewish Wedding at Carnegie Hall, NYC | Photo by Todd France and Phillip Van Nostrand 

The couple wanted to keep their wedding elegant, classic, intimate, and fun – like a big dinner party – and with special details like a cocktail hour to open the wedding, personalized notes for all the guests, embroidered napkins with bespoke logos, and a last hour “after party” featuring bar carts and pizza on the dance floor, they achieved their goal and then some! 

Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy

Aviva and Alan‘s a Tuscan Jewish Wedding | Photo by  David Bastianoni

Aviva and Alan’s Tuscan Jewish Wedding at the Great Synagogue of Florence and Villa Maiano, Tuscany, Italy

There’s nothing like a Tuscan wedding – and Aviva and Alan’s is one for the books! These two went all out in embracing the local color and charm of their oh-so-scenic environs, from the majestic Grand Synagogue of Florence where the chuppah took place to the dreamy reception at Villa di Maiano, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy

Aviva and Alan‘s a Tuscan Jewish Wedding | Photo by  David Bastianoni

Planning a destination wedding abroad is no easy feat, and Aviva and Alan wisely chose to work with planner extraordinaire Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Elegante by Michelle J to make their dream Jewish wedding weekend a reality.

Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy

Aviva and Alan‘s a Tuscan Jewish Wedding | Photo by  David Bastianoni

Michelle brought in a team of nine coordinators who all worked to ensure that the couple and their guests were incredibly well looked after, not only on the wedding day but throughout the wonderful pre- and post-wedding events Aviva and Alan hosted for everyone. In particular, Michelle worked with the couple’s florist, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design, to style every space in a unique and beautiful way – starting with the welcome party, which was based on traditional Tuscan styling using lemons (lots of them) and blue chinoiserie. 

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A Monique Lhuillier Bride for a Very NYC Wedding at Temple Emanu-El and a Private Club, New York, NY, USA

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Elizabeth and Jordan, private venue, Manhattan, New York, USA

There’s no place like New York – and we love that today’s couple, Elizabeth, vice president at a bank, and Jordan, a commercial mortgage broker, made the most of the city when planning their fabulous big day.

Bride Elizabeth grew up in the city and wanted a quintessentially NYC wedding, brought out with fun details like Sex and the City-inspired signature cocktails. And then there’s the ceremony venue: Manhattan’s majestic Temple Emanu-El, which is not only a seriously stunning space but also has deep significance for Elizabeth and her family.

Elizabeth and Jordan turned to Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Sarah Merians for photography and videography, and, in their words, “She is the best of the best so we knew we were in great hands!” Have a look at their exquisite imagery and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree.

Now over to the bride, who looked so elegant in her Monique Lhuillier gown…

Elizabeth and Jordan, private venue, Manhattan, New York, USAElizabeth and Jordan, private venue, Manhattan, New York, USAElizabeth and Jordan, private venue, Manhattan, New York, USA Elizabeth and Jordan, private venue, Manhattan, New York, USA
How We Met

Elizabeth, the bride: They met at a dinner on a cold winter night in NYC organized by Elizabeth’s college friend, who also happens to be Jordan’s cousin. They did not sit next to one another, although, Jordan noticed Elizabeth from the other side of the table and reached out to her after the dinner. Another group dinner was organized, until the two finally went on their first one on one date at Avra UES. At the dinner, Jordan, who was sitting across from Elizabeth asked if he could sit next to her, so mid dinner he moved his chair…the rest is history!Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Building a Jewish Home: Must-Have Judaica for Newlyweds

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Starting your life together as a married couple is such an exciting time, filled with beautiful new beginnings. Your engagement and the start of your marriage are the time when you’ll build so many key foundations for your life together, establishing meaningful rituals and traditions that will sustain you for years to come.

That includes building your Jewish home together – both figuratively, by figuring out what Judaism is going to look like in your married life, and literally, as you acquire Judaica objects to adorn your living space and enhance your Jewish life.

This week, we’re chatting with Jared Green, the Boulder, Colorado-based founder of Green Judaica, all about the essential must-haves for setting up a newlywed Jewish home filled with love, tradition, and connection to heritage – all without sacrificing on contemporary style, of course!

Handmade Judaica for a Meaningful Life

Green Judaica has thoughtfully curated a collection of high-quality, handmade Jewish ritual objects that epitomize Jewish tradition with a modern twist, combining our ancient heritage with contemporary innovation, technology, and design. Green Judaica’s items are both timeless and contemporary – making them the perfect pieces to invest in as you begin this new chapter of life. Here are seven must-have pieces of Judaica that will make a meaningful impact on your home and help establish traditions you can carry through the years.

Wedding Cup

We love that Green Judaica’s got a special wedding kiddush cup designed to use under the chuppah. Elegantly inscribed with “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” (I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine), this porcelain cup features a sleek, modern design and smooth finish. After the big day, keep using it as a kiddush cup for Shabbat and holidays – it’s the perfect memento of your wedding to bring out each Friday night.

Shabbat Candlesticks

Lighting Shabbat candles each week is one of the most cherished Jewish traditions of all, and Green Judaica’s elegant Shabbat are the way to welcome peace into your home every week. Their modern yet timeless styling is sure to make every Shabbat and holiday feel extra special.

Challah Tray

We can’t get enough of the sleek design of Green Judaica’s wooden challah tray. Beautifully handcrafted from solid hardwood, it makes a perfect centerpiece for your Shabbat table.

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